Noel Shore, Nova Scotia

The Noel Shore and coastal drive along Nova Scotia’s Route 215 leads to the Bay of Fundy’s ultimate tidal experiences. The Guinness Book of World Records lists Burntcoat Head as the site of the highest tides on earth. At low tide visitors can walk the ocean floor at Burntcoat Head Park and marvel at the beautiful seascape sculpted by the tides. Returning 6 hours later for high tide fully reveals the site’s impressive tidal range. From Halifax, experiencing the Noel Shore and Shubenacadie River is just a little over an hour's drive.

Route 215 also traces the amazing Shubenacadie River. This is the only place in the world to experience the thrill of tidal river rafting! The immense incoming Fundy tide temporarily reverses the river’s flow and creates a tidal bore (a visible wave) that travels upriver. As the river quickly fills up it generates a series of wild rapids for this one-of-a-kind adventure. For those looking to stay dry, the tidal bore can also be viewed once a day during daylight hours at Dawson Dowell Park in Maitland, at the Bay of Fundy Interpretive Centre in South Maitland or on the Salmon River in nearby Truro.

History abounds along the Noel Shore as the Village of Maitland is Nova Scotia’s First Heritage Conservation District. Here the stately Lawrence House Museum shares the area’s incredible ship building past and story of how William D. Lawrence constructed the largest wooden-hulled, fully-rigged ship ever built in Canada. Visitors and locals alike also stock up on supplies at the Frieze and Roy General Store in Maitland - the oldest general store in Canada!

Don't Miss Experiences

Tidal Bore Rafting: Powered by the world famous Bay of Fundy tidal bore, Nova Scotia’s tidal bore rafting tours are unlike any other rafting experience on the planet.

Burncoat Head Park: Come and walk, play and explore on the ocean floor! Burntcoat Head Park is home of the world`s highest recorded tides.

Anthony Provincial Park: Enjoy the park’s interpretive display and an open picnic area overlooking Cobequid Bay. Exposed red sand area at low tide offers a great opportunity for walking and wading in the warm water.

Walton Lighthouse: Incredibly scenic lookoff with short coastal walking trail on site. When the lighthouse is open, climp to the top and see the actual light and a heightened view.

Avondale Sky Winery: located in a former church that was moved 42km by ferry boat from the community of Walton. It’s no wonder why Avondale Sky wine is so divine!

Accommodations

Cresthaven by the Sea: A waterfront bed and breakfast, lies on the shores of historic Maitland just minutes from where the world's highest tides were recorded.

Tidal Life Guesthouse: A heritage home (c 1870) on a 13-acre property in the village of Maitland with walking trails on site and just 45 km from Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

Foley House Inn: A shipbuilder’s home (c 1870) in the picturesque heritage village of Maitland.

Shangri-la Cottages: Luxury cottages overlooking Bay of Fundy and next to Burntcoat Head Park and lighthouse. Walk the ocean floor and hunt for fossils at low tide. A peaceful location with beautiful sunsets.

Flying Apron Inn and Cookery:The Inn provides 4-star accommodations in 4 renovated guest rooms. Indulge your love of food at the restaurant, food & gift shop and cookery school. They take local food seriously, sourcing as much as possible from within 15 km of the Inn.

Places to Eat

Walton Pub: Right on the Walton River, their whoppers are a local favourite!